Whether you're learning to walk, or sharing your art for the first time, courage is something our growth will demand of us. I find comfort in knowing that on the other side of those moments is a sense of achievement and a better version of me. This poem reflects some of those experiences...
Her big round eyes open softly,
Amplifying her small face,
A new soul…
She sees a colourful blur
An overwhelming rainbow of light
The moon and sun play ring-a-ring-a-roses around the Earth
Colourful gentle flowers dance and float off into the air with the cool wind
The atmosphere melting into visions of orange and brown
In the warmth of her home she looks down and flexes her feet – flower buds for toes
Watching the way they stretch
Up… and down
Like preparation before the Olympics
A hesitant wobble
Rescued by the comforting soft grip of her mother’s and father’s soothing words
She proceeded
nervous but determined
one step… two step…
She becomes familiar with the seasons of the sky as they serve their time year upon year
Her world grows as complex as the solar system
Wrapping her throat and head in thick, stubborn, coarse vines
Silenced and struggling to process the loudness of her mind
She stumbles to the ground, reaching for her pen
Desperately etching in attempt to organise the chaotic thoughts
Desperately etching trying to spell words of reassurance
The only sound she is able to focus on is the screaming of her body
Till finally she is prescribed exchanges of words
So she could stand again
She proceeded
Nervous but determined
One step… two step…
Letters and words vandalising and decorating pages
A place of sanctuary and safety
The webbing of trust between her hand and her pen strengthening with each stroke of ink
Air flowed through her lungs with ease to the rhythm of her words
As she codes her life with combinations of letters
Her mind quietened as the colours in her atmosphere softened
Giving way to the glistening of a mic, calling her like a guiding star
Tempting her with promise of validation and healing
Her fixated mind carried her frozen body
Walking onto the stage
She proceeded
Nervous but determined
One step… two step…
Equipped with her pen, tip as sharp as a sword
Ready for war against her doubt. It shines in the
Light of opportunities. She looks forward, towards
The world, creating a museum with her words
Paper and ink forming her legacy.
Walking towards her destiny
She proceeds, nervous
But determined
One step…
Two step…
Feel free to use the question below as a prompt to reflect on this creative piece. If you would like to share your reflection, you can click through on the question to our open sharing page.
With thanks to our partners and funders:
